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Tuesday, 30 March 2010

6 years ago today I lost my most precious son Neil at the age of 26 years who for reasons known only to himself felt that life was no longer worth living. But, it should have been. He was dearly loved and had so very much going for him.

Nothing can ever prepare a parent for the death of a child, more so when that child takes his own life. Through the very long, bleak period that followed I often felt that the only way that I would be able to cope would be to go down that same route, but how could I subject those close to me to the same despair that I felt.

However I changed forever- spiritually I was strong, emotionally I was weak, but life took on a new dimension. People were important, material possessions were not. Despite being in a dark place, I was also in a better place.5 years on, which was this time last year, a politician whom we all know as Senator James Perchard made a comment to a fellow Senator in the States Chamber suggesting he take his own life by ‘slitting his wrists’. Naturally this caused an outrage, and became quite a high profile issue.

It was then that I let my personal feelings be known on Stuart Syvret’s blog. I had never looked at a blog site let alone post a comment on one, but it was such a good outlet for my feelings. As a result of what I had written I was contacted by CTV to see if I would give them an interview regarding Mr Perchard’s behaviour. With great trepidation I agreed, as the whole affair had brought everything back fresh to my mind, especially being so close to the anniversary of Neil’s death.On this day last year, and exactly 5 years to the day after my son took his life I gave CTV my thoughts on Mr Perchard’s ill-judged and un-statesmanlike comments. Little did I know what strength this gave to me.

I had always felt, in all my years of living in Jersey that there was something inherently wrong with the Government of the Island, and indeed moved away for five and a half years and spent some happy time in the UK. However, deciding things could not be any worse here than they were before I left for several reasons I decided to return only to find that in fact the grass was NOT going to be greener here.However, having a bit more courage no doubt given to me by the anger and dismay that the ‘suicide’ episode had given me, I decided one day to venture into the Royal Square after a States sitting when I thought maybe Mr Perchard may do the decent thing and resign and also approach him myself to speak with him face to face.Whilst ‘loitering’ in the Square I started talking to a gentleman who was also standing about and I told him why I was there. We chatted and he told me that he knew of a lady who had lost her son through suicide and how it had devastated her. Little did I know at this time that this gentleman was also called Neil, and furthermore the person he was referring to was me.

I had been aware that my Neil had made a special friendship with someone through a joint love of the sea and fishing. This person had supported him and welcomed him into his family unit so much so that he preferred to spend his last Christmas with this family rather than with me in the U.K. He loved this little family very much, a fact of which I was very aware. I met them briefly at Neil’s funeral, but the day was so traumatic for me I had little chance to speak at length with them.Quite by chance, and through subsequent postings on Stuart Syvret’s blog we both realised who we were and what the mutual connection was. Was this coincidence, or was it meant to be? I think the latter, in fact I firmly believe my Neil had a little plan.

Since meeting Neil (No 2 as I will call him), I have been able to enlighten myself more on the political issues that we have in Jersey. I have been able to freely voice my opinions on VFC and Senator Syvret’s blog. I have even been to demonstrations and marches, something I would never have dreamt I would have done 13 months ago.

So, I felt that out of something bad, something good had emerged. I met new people, made new friends, whose friendships I value very much, and I found a new strength of purpose. Maybe this was what I needed to keep myself focussed. Maybe the strength of the friendship of the ‘two Neils’ and the coincidence of me meeting with Neil No 2 was meant for a purpose. Maybe it was Senator Perchard’s ill conceived remarks that had brought me to this place in a strange round-about way. Senator Perchard, as a consequence lost his position as Health Minister, therefore as far as I was concerned the matter was finished.

............until Sunday 28th March 2010. Senator Perchard took everybody by surprise on live radio to launch into a personal attack on Neil No 2, who through health reasons and a physical disability is unable to work on a full time basis. This disability ironically was as a result of an accident when working. Senator Perchard’s attitude was that people like this ‘on benefits’ should get off their backsides and look for work, they had too much time on their hands did not use it constructively but spent it constantly criticising the States. It was a nasty, vicious, uncalled for attack on a family man who also happens to be a friend of mine. I found it very hurtful, so I can only imagine how his wife and family must have felt, let alone having his personal circumstances broadcast to anybody who was listening.

So, 12 months on Senator Perchard has still not learnt of tact, diplomacy, humanity and the behaviour that we should expect from our States Members. The arrogance with which he feels he can make and get away with these type of remarks beggars belief, let alone the personal hurt that this causes people, not just those he chooses to attack, but the far reaching impact it has on others in similar circumstances.

When you are sitting in the States Chamber, chewing gum and looking totally bored with the proceedings, when you are off to India watching cricket when the States are sitting, do you really have no conscience taking £40+k from the people who pay your salary, when you deny a man his right to disability benefit.I know what my son would have said to you had he still been here, because he had a very strong sense of decency and morals.

RESIGN before you do any more harm, because I dread to think what you will throw at somebody in another 12 months time.

Neil No 2 – keep up your good work, you are worth more than your detractors will ever be.

Neil Antony GraciaRest in Peace Neil – you are still loved and remembered, not only by me, but by all who knew and loved you.Your Mum x

The complaint from Senator Ben (P9-26) Shenton was in defence of Senator Terry (P9-26) Le Sueur, our Chief Minister. And who should be the Chairman of PPC? None other than Constable Juliette (P9-26) Gallichan……does anybody see a pattern here?

Constable Juliette (P9-26) Gallichan doesn’t share all the complaints she receives with her committee, as regular readers will be aware of she didn’t feel necessary to share This one or This one with her committee.

Some might ask, what is a man like Senator Ben (P9-26) Shenton doing complaining about anybody’s conduct when he surreptitiously and secretly records telephone conversations with fellow members of our parliament? Good question, you’ll have to ask him b.Shenton@gov.je

No doubt many of you would have seen and heard, on our “accredited” media bits and pieces of this saga, but are not aware of the fuller picture, including the fact that Senator Terry (P9-26) Le Sueur has only set up this commissioner to look into the suspension of Graham Power because his hand was forced by P9/2010 after he (TLS) had told Deputy Hill he had no intention of bringing any proposition to look into the very “suspect” suspension of Graham Power.

Below is the “offending” e-mail sent by Deputy Hill to all States members and media that caused Senator Ben (P9-26) Shenton to “come to the rescue” of our beloved leader.

Some of my more observant readers will notice that Senator Shenton sent his complaint out on the 25th of Feb at 15.08pm and “quick on the draw Terry” replied to it on the 25th of Feb at 15.19pm Yes that is correct ELEVEN MINUTES LATER! You don’t think he was expecting the e-mail do you? Nah I’m sure Terry always replies to e-mails that quickly!THE “OFFENDING” E-MAIL.From: Bob Hill Sent: 21 February 2010 16:36To: All Elected States MembersCc: voiceforchildren voiceforchildren; 103 (103); Channel TV; Channel TV; JEP Editorial; News (News); Radio Jersey (Radio Jersey); Spotlight (Spotlight)Subject: Chief Minister's Comments-----Response

Dear Colleagues, Last Friday afternoon you will have received an electronic version of the Chief Minister's Comments relating to P9/2009. I believe it would be helpful to read my response which is shown in red. Hopefully this will clarify some of the points made by the Chief Minister and may shorten my speech on Tuesday/Wednesday. Regards Deputy Bob Hill,BEM.,Deputy of St Martin.

P9 COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY:SUSPENSION OF THE CHIEF OFFICEROF THE STATES OF JERSEY POLICE Comments from the Council of Ministers

The Proposition calls for a Committee of Inquiry to be established to review the manner in which the Chief Officer of the States of Jersey Police was suspended. Following the suspension of the Chief Officer, Wiltshire Police were commissioned to review the background to the way in which the investigation into the Historic Childcare Abuse Enquiry was managed by the States of Jersey Police and in particular, identify evidence of misconduct by the Chief Officer of the States of Jersey Police. The Wiltshire Investigation is being undertaken in accordance with the Disciplinary Code of Conduct for the Chief Officer of Police which requires confidentiality to be maintained by all parties throughout the investigation. As a consequence, is not possible to discuss in open debate the background or context to this investigation, much of which might be required in a meeting the Inquiry’s overall objectives as set out in Part (a) of the Proposition.

Comment. The Chief Minister is attempting to use the confidentiality requirement of the discipline code in an attempt to “close down” discussions about the suspension itself. This argument is flawed for a number of reasons. Firstly, it should be possible without too much difficulty to separate the two. The terms of reference for Wiltshire Police do not include any investigation of the actual suspension, only my proposition allows such an investigation to take place. Wiltshire has finished most of their enquiries and there should be no overlap. Secondly, the attempt to continue to enforce the confidentiality rule under the disciplinary code implies that some form of disciplinary proceedings are possible. The disciplinary process for the Chief Officer of Police envisages a long and detailed process which consists of an initial meeting, a subsequent hearing with witnesses, an independent appeal chaired by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service and potentially a full debate in the States. Reliable estimates indicate that it could take up to a year to complete. At the time of writing the process has not even started. The Chief Officer is retiring from the service and is currently in his notice period. Allowing for leave he has a little over four month’s service remaining. He has effectively already been dismissed through a process which extended his suspension to a time when a return to work was impossible. If the Chief Minister really intends that there should be even more expenditure on a disciplinary process relating to someone who is leaving anyway, then he should explain how he would intend to progress this in the time available, and what justification he sees for the effort and expense this would involve, other than to provide a thin excuse for opposing the proposition. Finally, the States are fully entitled to have a view on which is the greater priority in these circumstances. Is it more important to pursue a pointless disciplinary process than to establish whether the States, the public, and others were wilfully misled by the statements and actions of those involved in the original suspension? Which would be the greater priority in the minds of the public and which choice would do most to restore confidence in the integrity of government?

Part (a) of the Proposition for a Committee of Inquiry can be split into four particular elements:- The manner in which the Chief Officer of the States of Jersey Police was suspended from his duties on 12 November 2008.

The procedures and the documentation used in the suspension process.

The grounds relied on by the previous Home Affairs Minister in taking his decision.

The role of the Minister and of other parties who were involved in the suspension process.

The issues covered in i, ii and iv above could be investigated by a Committee of Inquiry. However, item iii requires the background information that led to the Home Affairs Minister to take the decision to instigate disciplinary procedures to be available to a Committee of Inquiry. Under the Confidentiality Agreement in place with the Chief Officer of Police and given that this line of enquiry is fully covered by the Wiltshire Investigation as part of the Disciplinary Procedure against the Chief Officer of Police, it is hard to see how a Committee of Inquiry can gain access to, and use this information in an open inquiry whilst the Disciplinary Procedure is running that requires confidentiality to be maintained throughout.

Comment The Chief Minister appears to be relying on two arguments here, one of which is invalid and the other which is a repetition of an earlier point. What is apparently being argued is that the grounds on which the previous Minister took his decision cannot be within the remit of a Committee of Enquiry because it falls in some way within the remit of the Wiltshire investigation. At the risk of being repetitious, the suspension itself is outside of the Wiltshire remit. What evidence was or was not available in November 2008 is at best a footnote. Wiltshire have been tasked to begin at the beginning and to review the management of the HDLG enquiry from their own perspective and to gather evidence on their own authority. What any other authority did or thought in November 2008 is not totally irrelevant, but it is hardly fundamental to what is essentially a completely new look at the evidence. On the repeated point of any potential conflict with the disciplinary process, the Chief Minister has it within his capacity to remove this alleged difficulty from the table at a stroke. It could be argued that it simply requires a public statement of the obvious, namely that there is now no prospect of concluding any disciplinary process in relation to the Chief Officer and that the process is therefore effectively at an end. This would then “clear the decks” for a proper examination of the conduct of government in this issue which is what my proposition is about. If the Chief Minister will not agree to “clear the decks” for this to take place then States Members, and doubtlessly others, will be entitled to speculate as to his motives.

Consequently a Committee of Enquiry, as proposed, could not commence activities until the Disciplinary Procedure had been completed.

Comment As stated above. Ministers could “complete” the disciplinary procedure now by admitting that it has nowhere to go, and that all that remains is to examine “how we got into this mess” and to learn lessons for the future. The longer this is put off the greater the speculation, and the harder it will be to repair the reputational damage which government actions have caused.

The Chief Minister has reviewed all correspondence over the past few weeks and recognises that some Members are concerned at the way in which the management of the suspension process was handled by his Department at that time. As a result, the Chief Minister has given an undertaking to commission a review and report on specific areas as outlined in the attached Terms of Reference. This Review will be undertaken by an independent external expert qualified in Employment Law and the Chief Minister has undertaken to make the findings of the Report public.

Comment I submit that the reason why the Chief Minister has performed a “u turn” is because I have lodged my proposition. In letters to me dated 13th and 22nd January (see pages 24 & 26 of P9) he stated that he was satisfied with the current arrangements and saw no reason to lodge a proposition in the manner I sought. The problem which my proposition is attempting to address is that of confidence in the integrity of government and the possibility that Ministers and others may have colluded in a way which misled the States and then sought to cover up the truth. These concerns are hardly likely to be addressed by an informal review established by the very people whose actions must be examined.

With the recent publication of the sworn Affidavit by the suspended Chief Officer of Police, it is essential that the Review of the Suspension Process be undertaken in the shortest possible time frame, to enable all relevant facts from all parties to be fully investigated to establish the true position. However, the Proposition as drafted would appear to prevent this course of action being taken as a Committee of Inquiry will not be able to gain access to all relevant information. The Chief Minister is of the view that if the Committee of Inquiry were to be approved, the terms of reference would have to be amended in such a manner that allows it to perform its function before the disciplinary process has been completed.The alternative, which is proposed by the Chief Minister, is that an independent expert should be engaged in the shortest possible time frame to undertake this review and report. The Chief Minister has requested Deputy Hill to assist him in the appointments process and has also asked JACS to assist in the selection and appointment process for the Reviewer to ensure transparency. Subject to the successful appointment, the Chief Minister will bring a Report to the States advising Members of the individual selected with their background and curriculum vitae.Comment Again, this argument is flawed and to some extent self contradictory. There is still the reliance on the illusion that the disciplinary process can be “completed” when it plainly cannot. It then goes on to argue that a Committee of Enquiry is in some way unable to gain access to the relevant information but that a less formal enquiry would. Nobody familiar with the facts could sensibly dispute that this situation needs intrusive investigative powers. Not some friendly review which relies on the cooperation of the people involved. All should agree that there should be no unnecessary delay, but it is more important that Islanders are convinced that everything possible has been done to get to the bottom of the matter. What is more important is that we get to the bottom of this matter and put it to bed once and for all. Otherwise, it will continue to be an issue which demands our attention. The concern of the Chief Minister for the achievement of a result in “the shortest possible timeframe” is touching, but does not sit easily with the history of a disciplinary enquiry and suspension which have lasted for 16 months without a single disciplinary charge.

The Chief Minister on one hand is complaining that I have not gone through an advertising procedure, yet he is intending to do the same. It should be recalled that he never advertised for a Chairman to review the role of the Crown Officers. If we go down the Chief Minister’s route it will be several weeks before a review could begin. He is also implying that my proposed Committee lacks credibility because its selection process lacks transparency. Yet he is entrusting me and JACS to assist in the selection and appointments process. In my speech I will explain how I was able to find 5 highly respected individuals and that I was assisted by JACS.

The Chief Minister is of the opinion that conducting a review as outlined in his Terms of Reference will be a much quicker and simpler process to that required in the formation of a Committee of Inquiry, but still provides the level of assurance Members are looking for.

Not so, if my proposition is approved the Committee will be able to make an immediate start.It is important to recall that last August I lodged P131 seeking States approval to request Verita to investigate the events surrounding the suspension of a Hospital Gynaecologist. As with this proposition the Chief Minister intervened, lodged 11th hour Comments proposing that my proposition be rejected in favour of his external “Expert” which would conduct a review within weeks but no mention was made re costs. Unfortunately when my proposition was debated last September it resulted in a tied vote which allowed for the Chief Minister to appoint his expert without seeking States approval. Six months have elapsed, although Verita has published its report which exonerated the Gynaecologist, the Chief Minister’s “Expert” has not published a report and the latest confirmed cost is £40,000.

Members will note however, that the Terms of Reference proposed by the Chief Minister contain a specific clause that asks the Reviewer to establish whether there are grounds for a full Committee of Inquiry. Should this be confirmed, the Chief Minister commits to bringing back to the Assembly a Proposition for a Committee of Inquiry and for the appointment of a panel of members through a formal advertising and selection process in line with best practice. This appointments process is seen to be open and transparent for all parties and in contrast to the appointments process outlined in this Proposition whereby members are pre-selected by the proposing Member.

Comment The Chief Minister acknowledges that a full Committee of Enquiry may be required but hopes to put this off until a more informal enquiry has reported. The issues in this proposition are serious and current. Hoping that they can be fobbed-off or will just go away demonstrates lack of vision and leadership. This is a situation which needs to be grasped in a way which is firm, decisive, and reassuring to the public and the outside world. The more the problem is allowed to fester the worse it will get. A firm decision which is decisive and reassuring to all sides is what is called for. The Chief Minister’s position represents none of these things.

Part (b) of the Proposition is unacceptable and should be rejected. For complex investigations such as this where professional reputations of senior ranking officials are at stake, the recruitment and selection process for individuals to form a Committee of Inquiry must be managed in an open and transparent manner. If Members are minded to approve a Committee of Inquiry, it must be subject to the input of an independent body responsible for the recruitment process, the outcome of which will be presented to the Assembly for final approval.

CommentStanding Order 146 requires names to be put forward for States Approval, It does not prescribe how they are chosen, however it is open for any Member to propose alternative names, no one to date has done so. I have been attacked and my integrity question by both PPC and the Chief Minister about the selection of the Committee of Inquiry. If both are concerned that Standing Order 146 does not meet a transparent recruitment process why has the Order not been amended? As it is, I have complied with the Order’s requirement and until it is amended both PPC and the Chief Minister should accept that I have done nothing untoward. My report and proposition has been prepared by a backbench States Member without any of the professional support and advice which Ministers take for granted. The surprise is not that it may not have reached the highest standards in terms of the selection process. The surprise is that it got to this stage at all. If Ministers want to do something POSITIVE as opposed to rubbishing the good work of others, they should support the proposition. Otherwise it appears that once again they are in denial of the real issues and clutching at technical straws rather then address the legitimate concerns which have arisen.Financial and Manpower ImplicationsThe costs shown in the Proposition for the Committee of Inquiry appear to cover administrative costs only and, given the timescale for previous Committees of Inquiry these costs appear to be on the low side. The main cost that is not identified for a Committee of Inquiry will be that of meeting the costs of legal representation for individuals called to give evidence. Providing an accurate cost for this legal representation is not possible but assuming that the key witnesses will be past and current politicians and employees, most, if not all of whom will be seeking legal support, costs could be in the order of £20,000, in addition to those costs identified in the Deputy’s Proposition. If individuals called to give evidence no longer live locally, travel and accommodation will also have to be factored in.

Comment It is a bit rich for the Chief Minister to concern himself with the provision of legal funding for those who may be called to give evidence. This is another “U turn” because his proposal is a reversal of the policy so far followed in this matter under which the suspended Chief Officer has been denied any legal support and in consequence has represented himself in both the Royal Court and the Administrative Appeal Hearing. In the former he was opposed by the then Solicitor General in person, and in the latter by a member of the Law Officers Department. The Police Chief Officer was even denied access to his office not only to retrieve personal items but documents to assist in his pursuit for justice. Had he been a criminal he would have been granted rights and they way in which obstacles were placed before him could certainly not be considered to a “Neutral” Act. The Chief Minister’s new-found regard for fairness in the provision of legal advice and representation is to be applauded but it is very late in the day. The Committee of Inquiry are giving freely of their time and expertise. I have allowed for £15,000 for covering admin and incidental costs. If the figure below is between £5 and £10,000 then there will be very little difference in the costs. However I don’t know what sort of “Expert” the Chief Minister will get for the money and presumably if he considers that witnesses called to the Committee of Inquiry might require legal assistance, so presumably they too may require legal assistance when being interviewed by the Chief Minister’s “Expert” but no funding has been allowed. There is of course one other legal aspect which distinguishes the two proposals. A Committee of Enquiry would be able to grant immunity to witnesses in a similar manner to a scrutiny panel. This protection would enable staff to give evidence which may be damaging to others with less fear of reprisal. The Chief Ministers proposal seeks to withhold that immunity. Witnesses would be required to give an account without the protection of legal immunity, and what they say would be reported to the Chief Minister and his Civil Servants. This is bound to have the potential to create a reluctance to say things which are detrimental to those in senior positions.

Based on previous independent reviews of this nature, the Chief Minister believes that the cost for the review as proposed in the Terms of Reference would be in the order of £5-10.000 RecommendationMembers are urged to reject this Proposition on the basis that it will become a lengthy process and as presented, does not provide the required level of transparency in terms of the selection of a panel to form the Committee of inquiry. Members should instead support the proposal from the Chief Minister to commission an independent review, with the safeguards as outlined in this report and if the findings are of such magnitude, the Chief Minister commits to bring a Report and Proposition to this Assembly calling for a full Committee of Inquiry.

Comment Lest anyone forget, this proposal attributed to the Chief Minister comes from individuals who, with all of the strength, finance, time and resources they could muster, have at every stage and with every sinew, opposed, obstructed and sought to deflect, any enquiry or investigation whatsoever, into the actions of Ministers and their advisors in November 2008. The Chief Minister now offers this concession, not because he is persuaded that it is a good thing. He does so through clenched teeth because he is now cornered and can think of nothing else. Why should anyone trust the Chief Minister to deliver anything which is impartial and fair now? He has opposed fairness, justice, and transparency at every turn. I regret to say that he does not deserve to be trusted, and nobody should accept his assurances. His ineffective proposal should be rejected and a proper, independent and robust Committee of Enquiry be established in accordance with my proposition.

APPENDIX

A review of the management process that led to the suspension of the Chief Officer of Police.

Commissioner

The Chief Minister wishes to appoint a Commissioner to undertake a review of the manner in which the Chief Officer of the States of Jersey Police was suspended from his duties on 12 November 2008. Given the length of time that has elapsed since the Chief Officer of Police was suspended, and the concerns raised by States Members particularly following the publication of the Affidavit from the suspended Chief Officer of Police, the Chief Minister is proposing to commission an independent review to assure himself and States Members that the management of the process was conducted correctly.

2. Terms of Reference The purpose of the Review is to:- Examine the procedure employed by the Chief Minister’s Department and the Home Affairs Minister in the period leading up to the suspension of the Chief Officer of Police on 12 November 2008.

Review the manner in which senior officers collated the information and presented it to the Home Affairs Minister that ultimately led to the suspension of the Chief Officer of Police.

Investigate whether the procedure for dealing with the original suspension was correctly followed at all times including:-

The reason for the immediate suspension of the Chief Officer of Police

Whether there were any procedural errors in managing the suspension process.

Review all information relating to the original suspension procedure including relevant sections of the published Affidavit from the suspended Chief Officer of Police

The Report should highlight any areas where in the opinion of the Commissioner sufficient evidence exists that would support in the interests of open government a full Committee of Inquiry into the manner in which the Chief Officer of Police was suspended on 12 November 2008.

In the Chief Minister’s reply to me on 13th January (see page 24 of P9) He states “I am aware of comments made could be subject to challenge in terms of accuracy and these will be fully addressed by the Wiltshire Constabulary.” As Wilts Police is not investigating the reasons relied on by the previous Home Affairs Minister and the Chief Minister shares my view that there is some inaccuracy in the information disseminated, why does he need to go to the time and expense of employing some one to confirm a matter which we both agree on. Therefore it makes sense to support my Committee of Inquiry which will get to the heart of the matter in an effective and cost efficient manner.

3. Report A Report should be prepared for the Chief Minister. The Commissioner must be aware that the entire disciplinary process for the Chief Officer of Police is conducted under his Terms and Conditions of Employment which include a Code of Conduct for Disciplinary Process. This Code requires confidentiality to be maintained by all parties throughout the disciplinary process. As such, the report should therefore be in two parts:-Part I should consist of matters appropriate for immediate publication to States Members and the Public;

Part II relating to those matters specific to the Chief Officer of Police which under his Code of Conduct have to remain confidential until the disciplinary process has been completed.

CommentApart from the general ineffectiveness of what is proposed there are two obvious flaws. The first is the fiction that there is some form of continuing disciplinary process which constricts the scope of any enquiry into the suspension. The second is that the report should be “prepared for the Chief Minister.” This requirement is made irrespective of the fact that it was the Chief Minister himself who, over a period of many months, sought to prevent access to the information relating to the creation of key documents, which is one of the key factors leading to my report and proposition. Any fair and independent enquiry must inevitably examine the actions and motives of the Chief Minister and his advisors in this matter. An enquiry commissioned by him and reporting to him will strengthen, rather than diffuse, the suspicions of a “cover-up” which have characterised this affair. The failure of the Council of Ministers to recognise this reality, even at this stage, is in itself a matter of concern and a further indication of their failure to grasp the nature of the situation to which they have brought themselves.

I wish to make a formal complaint about the conduct of the Deputy of St Martin who has impugned the reputation of both the States Assembly and the Chief Minister.

Standing Orders clearly state –

Elected members should at all times conduct themselves in a manner which will tend to maintain and strengthen the public’s trust and confidence in the integrity of the States of Jersey and shall endeavour, in the course of their public and private conduct, not to act in a manner which would bring the States, or its Members generally, into disrepute.Elected members should at all times treat other members of the States, officers, and members of the public with respect and courtesy and without malice, notwithstanding the disagreements on issues and policy which are a normal part of the political process.In a document circulated to All Elected States Members, Channel TV, Radio Jersey, Spotlight, JEP and other media, dated 21/02/2010, he wrote;

“ The Chief Minister now offers this concession, not because he is persuaded that it is a good thing. He does so through clenched teeth because he is now cornered and can think of nothing else. Why should anyone trust the Chief Minister to deliver anything which is impartial and fair now? He has opposed fairness, justice, and transparency at every turn. I regret to say that he does not deserve to be trusted, and nobody should accept his assurances. His ineffective proposal should be rejected and a proper, independent and robust Committee of Enquiry be established in accordance with my proposition.”

In a comment on a debate held ‘in-camera’ Deputy Hill outlined issues to the journalist that had been raised in the confidential debate and is quoted as saying – “There will be a cosy in house inquiry with the leading players saying what they want.” The headline and story casts doubt on the reputation of every Member that voted against the proposal of Deputy Hill.

An allegation of a Government cover-up by States Members when there is no evidence to support the claim is a very serious matter. Similarly the assertion that the Chief Minister “does not deserve to be trusted, and nobody should accept his assurances” undermines the whole of the States Assembly and in particular the position of the Chief Minister and reputation of the Council of Ministers.

Please advise the correct procedure in order that this complaint may be lodged.

Dear Ben, Many thanks for springing to my defence. I have wondered whether the comments in his e-mail of 21st February merited any action. I came to the conclusion that although I believe they went further than was reasonable, it is in the nature of politics to express oneself robustly. With hindsight I do accept however that in relation to the code of conduct of States members, there may well have been a breach, and I therefore welcome your approach, which I consider to be reasonable and proportionate. I imagine it is for PPC to take this up, and should they require a formal request from me to do so I would be happy to do that, althugh in my view your e-mail should suffice. Yours sincerely, Terry

Dear Deputy Hill, I write to advise you of a complaint concerning your conduct received by the Committee from Senator B.E. Shenton (correspondence dated 25th February 2010 enclosed).The Privileges and Procedures Committee received the complaint at its meeting on Tuesday 2ndMarch 2010. The Committee is required to investigate a possible breach of the code of conduct for elected members in accordance with the procedures set out in Standing Order 157 of the Standing Orders of the States of Jersey, and agreed to invite you to discuss the matter at its next meeting. I understand, however, that you did not receive the correspondence inviting you to attend. I would therefore be grateful if you could attend the next Committee meeting on Monday 22ndMarch 2010 at 10 a.m. in the Blampied Room, States Building. Alternatively, the Committee will also meet on the morning of Tuesday 30th March 2010, should this be more convenient. In accordance with Standing Order 157(9) you may be accompanied by a person of your choice. Please let me know whether you are available to attend.Yours sincerely,

Wednesday, 24 March 2010

After discovering yesterday to my amazement that there are States Members that don’t even know our Home Affairs Minister Senator Ian (P9-26) Le Marquand had suspended our most Senior ranking Police Officer, CPO Graham Power, for the so called “Operation Blast” I thought I’d best help inform the uninformed.

Below is the transcript of that particular Suspension Hearing. What members and readers might want to consider is was this suspension an “insurance policy” to keep CPO Power suspended as it was conducted only days before the original suspension was to be reviewed by the Royal Court, or indeed after reading the transcript you might consider it a right and proper decision.

You will also notice that Bridget Shaw is not the only person who can rule themselves “not conflicted” Senator Ian (P9-26) Le Marquand can do it as well! It might also be helpful for readers to know, “the files” were brought to the attention of the Home Affairs Minister by Acting Chief Officer David Warcup, he really is a busy little Bee isn’t he?

There is as far as I am aware, and stand to be corrected, an ongoing investigation conducted by Wiltshire Police code named “Operation Haven 2” which was commenced in June 2009. It is believed that this inquiry might just find that “Operation Blast” never existed and there is nothing unusual about files being kept on high profile members of Parliament or indeed members of the public.
It should also be noted, that it is believed that Chief Officer Graham Power had never heard of “Operation Blast” until it was mentioned by Home Affairs Minister Senator (P9-26) Le Marquand.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand (The Minister for Home Affairs):
Good morning, gentlemen. I think if we just speak to identify voices for any transcription purposes. I am Ian Le Marquand, as I always say, still Home Affairs Minister. Mick Pinel is to my left, he is assisting me. If you could identify yourselves, please, by ...

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
Yes, thank you very much, gentlemen. Perhaps if I can ... just to assist you both, I understand there may be some preliminary points that you may want to make, but before you get to those can I just plan out how I see this morning’s meeting? What I propose to do is simply to consider this morning whether there would be sufficient grounds, where it would be appropriate, to suspend Mr. Power from his post as Chief Officer of Police upon the basis of the, as I will call it, Operation Blast investigation and complaints. I am going to look at that alone. I think that is the fairest thing from Mr. Power’s point of view because I am well aware that we are all awaiting the results of the judicial review hearing. Although I could look at both together by tangling up the first with the second it seems to me it makes thing complicated. The downside of that, I suppose, from Mr. Power’s point of view is, of course, that depending on the outcome of the judicial review hearings I could subsequently then conduct a hearing in which I consider both together, if I thought that appropriate. But I propose just to deal with the one matter today unless you object to that. If you do, I will deal with both matters together.

Dr. T. Brain:
Thank you, Minister. I am expecting you to talk about the implications of Operation Blast this morning, I am not expecting to deal with the wider implications of the outcome of a matter that has not yet been decided.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:No, that is fine. We are in agreement. Can I also just perhaps, just to slightly simplify matters, make my position clear in relation to the third area, which is the tape recordings area. If Mr. Power were able to give me an undertaking that he would not make such tape
recordings in future without the knowledge or consent of individuals then I would not view that as being a matter which would warrant consideration of suspension, if I can put it that way. We can effectively dispose of that for the purposes ...

Mr. G. Power:
We will need to discuss that. We would want to ...

Dr. T. Brain:
I think we need to discuss that.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
Yes, do you want to discuss that? Okay, I am just trying to shorten the process.

Dr. T. Brain:
Thank you. I understand. I think just before we go, I think ... Mr. Power is, of course, a private citizen as well as a Chief Officer of Police. He is currently suspended and therefore not undertaking duties as Chief Officer of Police so I am just trying to understand the circumstances in which you would view him not being able to make a tape recording. Presumably it is not in his capacity as a private citizen.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
No, I am talking about in his capacity as Chief Officer of Police.

Dr. T. Brain:Quite so. I will invite Mr. Power to give me some instructions.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
Okay, thank you.
(Adjournment)

Dr. T. Brain:Thank you, Minister. We understand you are trying to be helpful in this matter and therefore we reciprocate in the same vein. What we must make quite clear is by considering the point that you have just made, no acceptance is made from our part that any wrongdoing was undertaken in the original tape recordings.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:No, that is fine. That is correct.

Dr. T. Brain:What we are saying here is that in order to further business today and make sure that there is no unnecessary suspension, that should Mr. Power be restored to his duties as Chief Officer he undertakes not to make tape recordings of conversations until a review of the practice has been completed.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
That is fine. That is understood without any indication that he accepts fault in relation to that matter. That is fine. Thank you, that does slightly simplify ... I will note this is without any admission of fault. Okay, thank you very much. I understand from Mr. Pinel that you may want to make some preliminary comments in relation to whether or not I should be conducting this hearing today, is that right?

Dr. T. Brain:We will make observations about that. I would like to clarify first a very clear understanding of what Mr. Power is accused. I understand that there are investigations proceeding and that the terms of reference of the Wiltshire Inquiry have been extended to include the so-called Operation Blast circumstances. That is not what I am seeking clarification on. I know what is alleged but I need clarification of what is Mr. Power accused. In other words, what would constitute some kind of disciplinary charge or criminal charge so that we can understand how we should conduct our defence today.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
Yes, the situation at the moment is that I have requested a preliminary report under the terms of the disciplinary code. That has been dealt with by Mr. Richardson who is the deputy ... I think that is the right term.

Mr. M. Pinel:
Deputy Chief Executive.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:Deputy Chief Executive to the Council of Ministers, who has his terms of reference - and I was consulted on those terms of reference - in terms of widening of the disciplinary issues. So, at the moment, we are in an investigatory stage. All I could indicate to you, I think, would be what might be a possible direction that things might go. If that helps you.

Dr. T. Brain:That would be most helpful.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
But obviously until I get reports back I cannot do that. I think that the directions would relate to obviously issues as to Mr. Power’s knowledge or involvement in these matters but, in a sense, as I view this, this is an issue where it is an allegation ... a 2-fold allegation I suppose, firstly an allegation of secret files having been kept by the police force in relation to individual States Members, and this without reference to any actual investigations against them or in relation to them. That is the nature of the information I have been given. Secondly, as part of that issue, the obtaining of full criminal record checks on each person who was then a current States Member, without any apparent reason or justification for that. That is it very simply. I do not want to speculate as to where else that might take us but is that sufficient to clarify?

Dr. T. Brain:
What I may be struggling with, and maybe you could indulge my ignorance of Jersey procedures here, is what does that constitute in terms of a potential discipline or misconduct offence or a criminal offence. It is not that these ... we are not querying the substance of the investigation, what I need to understand is what does that amount to specifically in relation to Graham Power?

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
Well, it could ... and I can only speculate because I have not seen the report, I am not dealing with criminal matters here but my understanding is that there could be data protection offences in relation to this and that is a matter which will be considered alongside the investigation. Those are not matters for me, and indeed the investigation of those matters would be operational matters for the acting police leadership at the moment to make decisions on. Clearly, that is my understanding that there are areas in that direction. I suppose that we would be looking at gross misconduct here, depending on what Mr. Power knew or did not know. I suppose gross misconduct would be a fair phrase for that. Potentially there could be an issue of the police force setting itself up, almost a MI5 type operation, and adopting a role inconsistent ... I am speculating but trying to be helpful. I know you were somewhat taken aback during the last proceedings when I spelt out in my final remarks the potentiality in relation to the initial things so it probably helps to realise the sort of potential we are looking at here.

Dr. T. Brain:
It does. It does indeed. My first observation therefore is that this hearing is premature, that when you have a better idea of whether there are specific matters that merit further investigation in a detailed sense against Graham Power, in other words after the completion of the preliminary investigation which you have initiated, then it would be an appropriate time to consider further suspension. It would be helpful, I think, Minister, for you if we do not consider these points in isolation each time. I think we can log the fact that I have made that observation and we will proceed with other matters as we go through this morning and then you can consider if it is helpful to you all the points I make at the end rather than say ... what I am not saying here is stop the proceedings until you have considered that point, but my observation is ...

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:You want me to consider all points.

Dr. T. Brain:... this is a premature hearing and that while in the event of the preliminary investigation suggesting that there is a matter that is more serious, that relates personally to Graham Power, it may then become relevant for you to consider this. There are other observations, however, I think I would make about the relevancy of further suspension procedures and you may find it helpful to consider them altogether.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
Yes, okay. Thank you. Okay, were there any preliminary points you wanted to make in relation to whether I could properly conduct these proceedings?
Dr. T. Brain:
Yes, there is, thank you. Yes, I will make those ...

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:Do you want to start with those?

Dr. T. Brain:
I will make that point. I wanted to make that initial point around the premature nature of the matters but there is a question of whether you personally can preside, not in your capacity as Minister but in your personal capacity because Graham Power has made a complaint against you in which he alleges that you have breached the disciplinary code by making public statements.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
Could I be clear, is this in the same terms as the document which I have got addressed to the Chief Minister dated 24th June?

Dr. T. Brain:Yes, I believe it is. Graham will no doubt tell me if we are incorrect about that. But I was about to say that on taking the advice that Graham Power took, he lodged his complaint with the Council of Ministers through a letter to the Chief Minister dated 24th June. In that letter it was alleged that you had breached paragraph 1.2 of the disciplinary code which requires all parties to maintain confidentiality while proceedings are being progressed. You made a public statement to the States and spoke to the media after you had given Graham Power written notice that you were invoking the disciplinary code. So that is the first observation that we have to make. There is a complaint in being, it is a substantive issue, that you breached ... allegedly breached paragraph 1.2 of the disciplinary code by making public statements. That is a live complaint. At the current time that complaint has been acknowledged but Graham Power has received no further notification about how that matter is being progressed. Consequently, I put it to you that there is now a conflict of interest. While I am convinced you would do your best to deal with these matters in an impartial way, there nevertheless is this underlying conflict of interest, one cannot rule out the possibility of subliminal bias no matter how much one works to avoid that, and consequently it is inappropriate that you chair these proceedings and make the decision. That is our first submission.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
Is that solely based on the 1.2, because there were 2 other complaints in relation to accuracy of information? I have to say that on first reading I thought there was an inconsistency between complaint one and 2 and 3 because if 2 and 3 had been complied with in the terms suggested that would have led to a greater possible ground under one.

Dr. T. Brain:
I think it is fair to say, Minister, we are not here to in any way try and deal with the complaint against you. We merely make the observation that the complaint is a substantive one, it is in being. It may have been a different matter if we had had some indication from the Chief Minister about how this matter was being dealt with. As I said a moment ago, we have merely the acknowledgment that the matter has been received. Consequently, this matter is undetermined both in terms of its scope and in terms of the way it will be dealt with. Consequently, the complaint is live, it is in being, it is substantive and there is a conflict of interests. We register that conflict of interest and that conflict of interest exists no matter how you determine the outcome of our observations. However, we are not here to address the substantive nature of the complaint. The complaint has been made, it is in being, it is in relation to you and your personal conduct and we register a conflict of interest.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
Yes, okay. I was puzzled by the terms of the complaint. There was a reference there to a reference being made during questions in the House to the Chief Office of Police. If you want to amplify on that because I am puzzled by that. I take it Mr. Power is aware of the existence of Hansard?

Dr. T. Brain:
I am sorry, what do you mean by that, Minister? Can you help me with that? Graham may be aware of it but I am not so please make your point.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
We have a Hansard publication in Jersey. He was saying: “I heard something said referring to the Chief Officer of Police.” I am trying to be helpful to point out that the text of what was said is reported. Indeed, if it assists you, I in fact have a copy of it here but if it assists you it is readily available on the internet. If you go into the States website and click the buttons for Hansard and 16th June, you will find it is section 6 of that. It is clearly stated there. I am merely pointing out where the stuff can be found in case Mr. Power is unaware of that.

Dr. T. Brain:Thank you. I am not sure that makes any difference to our submission. I will just find out ...

Mr. G. Power:
I am aware of Hansard. I do not think it is appropriate to get talking about the substance of the complaint.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:It is just that I have the text of the words I used in the context of the Chief Officer.

Dr. T. Brain:As we said, Minister, thank you very much for that. It may be very helpful for us to read that afterwards. For me personally, let me put it like this, it helps me and I am grateful for that observation but I will make the continued observation that until the Chief Minister has progressed the complaint against you, the complaint is in existence and it will remain in existence until it has been dealt with by the Chief Minister. Therefore the complaint is substantive and we register the conflict of interests.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
What is the status of the complaint? Because on the face of it this is a political matter, is it not?

Dr. T. Brain:
I am not in a position to discuss whether it is a political matter or not. What I would observe is that a complaint is in existence, it is against you, it is under paragraph 1.2 of the disciplinary code and until the Chief Minister has progressed the matter there is a conflict of interests. Notwithstanding, I am sure, your intention to deal with this matter impartially it cannot but be said that this is a matter that should not be before you at this current time.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
Forgive me, but I cannot see what the Chief Minister can do with this complaint. What remedy does the Chief Minister have in relation to such a matter? I am really struggling with this because our relationship is a political relationship. He is not a Prime Minister.

Dr. T. Brain:
Well, maybe you could help me, Minister, in understanding what the implication of paragraph 1.2 of the Ministerial Code is?

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
I think they are pretty clear, are they not?

Mr. M. Pinel:If I can be helpful ...

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
I am not sure where you think the complaint is going to take us.

Dr. T. Brain:
I am sorry, Minister, I really am not going to engage in a debate about the substantive nature of the complaint against you. It is, in a sense ...

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:But it is the existence of the complaint?

Dr. T. Brain:
It is the existence of the complaint and that the matter has not been resolved and that it has been acknowledged by the Chief Minister’s office - I do no think there is any issue about that - so the complaint is live, it is in being and I think ... if I can try to suggest this as helpfully as I can, I think it is of assistance to you to consider whether you should be hearing these matters today. There is a conflict of interest, we register its existence and that is a preliminary observation which you invited us to make. We are not here to discuss the merits or demerits of the complaint, that will be done elsewhere.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
You are submitting in some way this ousts the statutory powers given to the Minister under Article 9(2) of the law? “The Chief Officer may be suspended from office by the Minister which will refer the matter to the States at the next sitting and may be dismissed from office by the States.” You are saying this in some way overrides statutory powers?

Dr. T. Brain:
I am advising you to consider whether it does. Clearly we would have to consider, if you decide to maintain hearing this matter, how that would be proceeded with. We register our concern that there is a conflict of interest by virtue of the fact that a proper complaint has been made within the procedures. We are not here to debate the merits of that complaint, that will be done elsewhere. The complaint exists, it is against you personally, it is not in respect simply of your office as an office holder and that creates a conflict of interest. Minister, you are hearing these matters. You are hearing these matters. It is for you to determine how you deal with them. We are registering our concern at this point.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
Yes, okay, that is fine.

Mr. G. Power:I can offer some clarification on that very quickly if you would like me to or do you want to consult? I can help the Minister with clarification, I think, in 2 points. One is paragraph 15 of the Ministerial Code of Conduct requires that any complaint be referred to the Council of Ministers. That is what the code says. The complaint was referred to the Chief Minister on the advice of the Greffier of the States, whose advice was initially sought. The second point, I do not think it is part of our case that the conflict of interest overrides the statute. What I would draw your attention to you, and Mick might be able to help with this, is that I understand that the States of Jersey Law allows the Chief Minister to designate any Minister to undertake the duties of another Minister. So the powers for the Minister for Home Affairs, under the law and under the discipline code, can continue to be exercised to the full by somebody who is designated for that purpose by the Chief Minister. That is my understanding of the States law.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
That is right. I think I have the power on a temporary basis to designate a Minister to cover for me because that often happens on holiday or, indeed, the Assistant Minister. I do not think that the Chief Minister has that power. That would effectively be to remove that Minister from office.

Dr. T. Brain:
Certainly you have that power, Minister, but I was not aware that the Chief Minister had that power.

Mr. G. Power:Could I give you a little bit of history? That is when the Attorney General advised Wendy Kinnard to declare a conflict of interest you may recall that Andrew Lewis was designated to be Minister for Home Affairs in respect of all matters relating to Operation Rectangle.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:That is the Minister’s power of delegation.

Mr. G. Power:I do not think we need to get into the small print of it, I was told then that the power rested with the Chief Minister or at least quite clearly that the powers under Article 9 could be exercised by somebody other than yourself. We are not saying the complaint sets those power aside, we are saying somebody else could exercise those powers.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:Okay.

Dr. T. Brain:
I think it is fair to say we invite you to consider that. I appreciate, Minister, that you have been most helpful to us, whenever it has been necessary, by inviting us to withdraw and consult. If you felt that was necessary now, we would obviously ... from your perspective to consider the observations - if you like the 2 observations that I have made - we would understand that.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
Well, I have already, of course, had time to consider this because Mr. Pinel gave me notice, and I am going hold it is perfectly proper for me to continue and, indeed, the statutory powers are not undercut. But I will give fuller reasons later on.

Dr. T. Brain:
Well, then we record our concerns and that we obviously are not in a position to physically remove you from these proceedings and we will continue with the proceedings but we register our concern that there is a clear conflict of interest here.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:Yes, I will give you fuller reasons.

Dr. T. Brain:Thank you.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
Okay, thank you. Now, I think at this point it might be helpful again to try to simplify matters. If I asked you whether you were happy that I apply to this hearing the criteria which I did on 5th March, which I have got a copy of. I am not aware ... I have a number of copies, I am not aware that the judicial review ...

Dr. T. Brain:One each will be ...

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:I am not aware that the judicial review proceedings challenged the criteria, which, if you remember, arose out of submissions which were made by yourself, Dr. Brain. There is a paragraph missing. In a sense I have not included in ... I have jumped ... the one numbered 5 was 6 in my notes and I have not included all that because this was comment on the U.K. (United Kingdom) stuff but 5 gave the point I came to as a result of those considerations. I am just explaining it to you, I am not trying to hide anything from you.

Dr. T. Brain:
Not at all. That is very helpful, we do not interpret that.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
This cuts to the chase, as it were.

Dr. T. Brain:I think this is most helpful, particularly if it is your intention to use similar criteria in making your assessment today.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:I am inviting you to make submissions - I am sorry, I am going into legalese here - on these if you disagree with them. It may be you are happy with them or it may be ...

Dr. T. Brain:
I think we can certainly address them.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
Yes, okay, that is fine. Again, it does help you, I think, to know what we are talking about. Right, well now it is over to you, I think, to make submissions then in relation to the matter.

Dr. T. Brain:
Well, as I say, just to reiterate, that we do therefore consider that these matters are premature. Looking very briefly at some of the issues that you have raised in your suspension criteria, I would invite you to consider paragraph 2: “Is there sufficient credible material before me disclosing matters of sufficient seriousness to merit a disciplinary investigation?” You have, quite properly, initiated a preliminary investigation. When that preliminary investigation is completed you may well be in a position to determine whether there is sufficient credible material before you to disclose matters of sufficient seriousness to merit a disciplinary investigation as, self-evidently, until that process is complete I suggest to you you are not in that position. I think there are some observations that it is necessary to make in a general sense because we are not rehearsing any kind of contribution that Graham Power might make to any future investigation today but he has been as open and helpful as he can be in the current circumstances in trying to clarify matters relating to the so-called Operation Blast and any contextual information that surrounds it. I think the first observation there is that there has never been an operation targeting States Members. There may be something that is considered about the administration of a filing system but there is not a proactive operation in relation to States Members. I think that it is really important to make an observation at this point. There obviously has been a need to handle information relating to States Members from time to time and there may well be a need to set up a filing system that is appropriate to that but that does not necessarily deliver matters of sufficient seriousness to merit a disciplinary investigation. I think there are some other observations to make very clearly at this point, which is that Mr. Power has been co-operating not only with the new matters relating to so-called Blast but with the previous Wiltshire investigation. You may or may not be aware - and I only say it in the context of helping you consider how co-operative Mr. Power is being - that he has submitted a very lengthy statement in respect of the original Wiltshire matters that constitutes really probably the fullest account that has been given by anybody to date of the investigations under the code name Haven and the subsequent searches and excavations at Haut de la Garenne. So he is co-operating fully with any aspect of the inquiry, of course within his own statutory disciplinary rights. With respect to the tape recording of any telephone calls, I would draw to your attention this extract from the Jersey telephone directory, under P where police is stated as an entry, there are various numbers there and I will just read it out for you. I am quite happy, of course, for you to have this copy although I am sure you can obtain a copy of the relevant page for yourself. “Police, States of Jersey Police Headquarters, P.O. (Post Office) Box 789, SHJE 48ZD. Please note: calls may be recorded or monitored.” Now, the recording or monitoring of telephone calls is a public statement contained in the Jersey telephone directory. If we are looking at the seriousness of the nature of any matters currently disclosed by Operation Blast then I would ask you to consider them fully in the context of that very, very public statement that is made in the Jersey telephone directory. There are some other observations that I wish to make which do relate to the points that you have helpfully reminded us of here. I received a copy of a letter a few days ago that made it very clear that you had reconsidered the matter of the original suspension for the Wiltshire investigation and that you considered that no matters had changed and therefore your original decision, and the original suspension, remained valid and in place. Consequently it is self-evident that Graham Power today is still suspended from his role as Chief Officer of Police of the States of Jersey. I have made lengthy observations on 2 previous occasions about why that should not be the case but you have clearly disagreed with those observations and he remains suspended. To put it simply it is absolutely not necessary therefore to suspend him further. I am struggling with the concept of a double suspension but, nevertheless, it is unnecessary and you have indicated that that is unnecessary in your previous correspondence. I would suggest to you that when you have the benefit of your preliminary investigation and in the event that you decide that the circumstances relating to Graham’s original suspension have changed so that you might consider reinstating him, that would be the point to consider a further suspension in respect of allegations arising from so-called Operation Blast, which does relate to my original point that today’s proceedings are premature. But I would make a broader point at this point that a further suspension is unnecessary. If I refer you to your own criteria at paragraph 5(e), all of these considerations come under the necessary and proportionate test. If I can just address the proportionality of this issue now. Proportionality comes in partly through the necessity principle. I suggest to you that if it is not necessary it is therefore disproportionate to inflict so weighty an outcome as a suspension on any individual, much less a Chief Officer of Police, who is fully co-operating with the investigations and who has, at no point, interfered with or sought to interfere with the investigations. While I am quite sure that it is not your intention to give an indication of the outcome of the investigations in any subsequent misconduct hearing I suggest that you are inadvertently doing so. I have observed on previous occasions that it is very, very difficult for a Chief Office of Police to return to duty after suspension even if fully exonerated. This is for a variety of reasons but not least of which is around perception. Inevitably if there is a suspension of a chief officer it carries with it pejorative and wholly negative connotations. It makes less likely a fair and proportionate outcome simply by virtue of the fact people will have assumed that with a chief officer, somebody of that status, being suspended for such a long time there must be something substantive relating to the original matters. There is the whole question then of confidence that has been raised. This, by a double suspension, a further suspension, makes a fair and unprejudiced outcome even less likely. That, I must make clear, takes place in the context yet again of observations that I have made elsewhere that there is no equality of arms here. We are seeing the fact that there is the full panoply of the States with all its sophistication and capabilities raged against an individual who is, as yet, unrepresented in legal terms. The best he has to offer, I am afraid, is myself. So this is yet another example of disproportionality being displayed against Mr. Power.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
Is Mr. Power saying that he is unable to afford to obtain legal advice, because the concept of equality of arms takes into account normally the person’s ability to obtain legal advice?

Dr. T. Brain:
I am afraid you must be aware of the cost, even I am aware of the cost, of engaging fully qualified advocates in the Island of Jersey. There may well come a point where Mr. Power will be necessitated to engage a fully qualified advocate but that is something that will have to be judged on our own proportionality test. What I am saying is that there has been no aid given to Mr. Power when he had every reasonable expectation as Chief Officer of Police to have received such aid under his previous understanding to what he was entitled. But let us keep focused on the other issue, which is the necessity principle, now. I will reiterate that it is unnecessary to suspend him (a) because he is already suspended and you have indicated recently that you have no intention of lifting that suspension and (b) that the ground for requiring a suspension in terms of his potential - and I do emphasise potential - interference with the investigation are in any case without substance because he would not do that as an individual, as a man of integrity, but he is not in a position to because he is already suspended. A further suspension, in other words, is totally superfluous and you are acting, if you did suspend him, unnecessarily and therefore, by continuance, disproportionately. However, I am confident, Minister, that you will consider the proportionality and necessity of these issues as you have indicated with your criteria marked one to 5 and that you will therefore find a further suspension unnecessary. I would invite you to let that matter lie on the table until, and if, the circumstances of the original suspension change. Thank you.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
Okay, I will just think if I have got any questions or points I want to give you an opportunity to address me on before I start to consider a decision. I think the issue of what matters I have before me, in a sense presumably I should be considering the initial letter of Mr. Warcup dated 2nd June and Mr. Power’s document prepared in response to the request. Presumably you want me to consider that as well the former.

Dr. T. Brain:
The principal value of that this morning is not to invite you to consider them in respect of the merits or demerits of any investigation concerning Operation Blast, save to note that there are reasonable explanations given in there. But it does serve to illustrate that Graham Power is co-operating with any new process. I think that is the crucial point to make. There is no sense of spoiling tactics or anything like that. He is fully co-operating in an open and helpful manner. I think that is the most important point to make about ...

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:But you are not asking me to consider any matters outside of those 2 because I know one of the issues in the Wiltshire review of course was the issue of the A.C.P.O. (Association of Chief Police Officers) report. There is no other matters you are asking me consider?

Dr. T. Brain:
Sorry, which A.C.P.O. report.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
Sorry, did I use the wrong term?

Dr. T. Brain:I do not know, just clarify for me.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:Because you have ...

Dr. T. Brain:You must understand, Minister ...

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:... actively involved with those.

Dr. T. Brain:... I am not representing Mr. Power in respect of the judicial review so you are probably better ... if I ask what you might call a dumb question, please indulge me for this morning.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
I just want to check that you are not asking me to consider any other matters other than those 2 which I have delineated or set out.

Dr. T. Brain:
I am addressing the necessity and proportionality principle of whether a further suspension is necessary. I am not addressing the question of whether ... there are more substantive issues around Blast. You have obviously information around Blast and you are most welcome to take that into account.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:Okay, as long as it is not anything else.

Dr. T. Brain:Anything else you want to say?

Mr. G. Power:
No.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:That is all right. Okay, well thank you very much then for your submissions. I am now going to take some time to consider ... we have finished quite early with the submissions. I always underestimate the length of time it takes me to decide things. I think I may be in a position to give a decision by 12.30 p.m. If I am still thinking or writing notes or whatever and you are back then I will get Mick to come out and inform you. I do not think I am going to be much before 12.30 p.m.

Dr. T. Brain:I just wonder whether it would be helpful if I gave you my telephone number then?

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
Yes.

Dr. T. Brain:Rather than, if you will excuse us, the corridor is not the most harmonious place to sit for ... Bear with me a moment and I will give this to you.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
Both the P.S.(?) and the other establishment has some nice external seating arrangements.

Mr. M. Pinel:
This is your mobile?

Dr. T. Brain:
Telephone number removed by VFC.
I will switch it on because it is obviously off at the moment.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
I am going to give a decision now in relation to the matter which I dealt with ... heard this morning. I am not considering the issue of the tape recording of telephone calls because I do not view that as a sufficient ground to warrant suspension and particularly in the light of the undertaking given by Mr. Power this morning, which undertaking was given without admission of fault. I am considering solely the issue as to whether it is appropriate for me to exercise the power given to me by statute under Article 9(2) of the Police Force (Jersey) Law 1974 to suspend Mr. Power from office as the Chief Officer of Police. That power is also referred to in paragraph 2.3.3 of the Disciplinary Code for the Chief Officer of Police. I am doing so on this occasion solely in relation to the matter of the investigation concerning Operation Blast and the possible disciplinary matters which may arise therefrom. I am not looking at that in parallel with the existing disciplinary matters in relation to which Mr. Power is currently already suspended but I have given notice that I may at a later date look at the 2 in conjunction with one and other as I would indeed be entitled so to do. The reason I am not doing that is to try to be absolutely fair to Mr. Power and because of the fact that that earlier decision is currently subject to judicial review proceedings with a decision having been reserved by the Royal Court in relation thereto. I am going to begin with the preliminary point in relation to which I gave my decision without giving any reasons. I said I would come back to that and give reasons. Dr. Brain brought to my attention the complaint made by Mr. Power to the - I am sorry I have written Chief Officer of Police, that does not make sense - Chief Minister in relation to an allegation of breach by myself of paragraph 1.2 of the disciplinary code, in particular the words: “All parties involved in the operation of the code will maintain confidentiality while proceedings are being progressed.” The allegation is that by making a public statement in the States and answering questions thereon in relation to Operation Blast I have breached that code, and as there is an outstanding complaint against me I have a conflict of interest in this matter. The suggestion is that I exercise my power to delegate, either to another Minister or to my Assistant Minister, my powers in relation to disciplinary matters concerning Article 9(2) in the disciplinary code as far as suspension is concerned. Maybe the submission was wider than suspension but for the purposes of today it seems to me as far as suspension is concerned. I find no merit in this argument for the following reasons. Firstly, because the Police Force (Jersey) Law 1974 Article 9(2) gives the power of suspension to the Minister. Originally that power was vested in the committee who could not have delegated it, now it is vested in the Minister. In my view the clear intention of the statute, which is repeated in paragraph 2.3.3 of the disciplinary code, is that the Home Affairs Minister should deal with such matters unless there were a very good reason not so to do. The question is does the making of this complaint provide such a very good reason. It was only the 1.2 of the code point of the letter which was put before me but in fact the letter of 24th June 2009 contained 2 other points, which are not put before me, which suggests that I should have provided more information to the States in a way which would apparently have constituted a more serious breach of the code. It is hard for me to take seriously complaints which are so self-evidently contradictory. However, today I have been asked to look only at 1.2 and to disqualify myself based only on the fact that the complaint is pending. Frankly, any reasonable person looking at Hansard will see that I, as Minister, was endeavouring to comply with 1.2 while also fulfilling my duty to the States to inform them of a matter of great public importance. Furthermore, even if there were a breach of 1.2 then what would be the effect of that? The effect could be to give rise to a claim for damages for Mr. Power against the Minister for breach of contract. I cannot see that such a possible claim could ever constitute a very good reason for the Minister for Home Affairs to stand down from dealing with the current disciplinary matters where the statute clearly envisaged that that is what he would do. One might as well say that because Mr. Power and the Minister are currently engaged in disputed judicial review proceedings that that disabled the Minister from further considering matters or that because the Minister has initiated an investigation he should be debarred, or because he has previous considered the suspension of Mr. Power he should be so debarred. None of those matters would have any merit and, in my view, neither does this submission. I am not sitting here as a judge but as a Minister considering the exercise of a ministerial power granted by statute. I come now to the suspension point itself. I handed out a copy of the suspension criteria which were based upon the notes which I made on the meeting of 5th March 2009. I, in fact, had typed out paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 of those notes. I have repeated 5 of those references ... to (5) of those notes in paragraph 5 of these notes because there was no final decision, just discussion contained therein. I will not read them out now because I am going to read them out paragraph by paragraph later on. I have before me as materials to consider, Mr. Warcup’s letter of 2nd June 2009 and Mr. Power’s document of 16th June 2009. I am not being asked to consider anything else. The main points put before me were: (1) that it is premature, prior to the investigation, for me to proceed at this point to a suspension decision; and (2) that such further suspension is unnecessary as Mr. Power is already suspended. There are subsidiary points in relation to this such as equality of arms, which I will also deal with later on. I am going to take my notes slightly out of order here because I think this would be more helpful. Dealing first of all with the premature aspect. I have sufficient information before me to make a proper suspension decision. Indeed, by the very nature of such matters the person making the decision will always only have limited materials before them prior to a full investigation of the matter. I do not find any grounds ... any merit in the submission this is premature. Dealing with the further suspension argument, there is of course an issue here which in fact has really arisen by virtue of Mr. Power’s own actions and that is this. What if the Royal Court were to overturn the previous decision on some technical reason but it was appropriate for suspension to stand in its own right on this matter? That is a possibility and that possibility is created, indeed, by Mr. Power’s own actions in challenging the earlier decision. This is not an overkill situation, this is purely me looking to see if that possibility were to occur would it be appropriate for there to be a suspension on this other matter in its own right, and that is what I am doing. In relation to the equality of arms point, there is no issue of equality of arms, no valid issue here. Firstly, because Mr. Power, who is still being paid for his role as Chief Officer of Police, is well able to afford legal advice. Secondly, because the relevant equality of arms principles almost certainly do not apply to a suspension hearing. Taking on board all the other submissions which I have received, I am now going to proceed to analyse the criteria and the case in relation to the criteria set out in the suspension criteria document which I will attach to these notes. Firstly are the allegations/circumstances sufficiently serious to allow the suspension power under Article 9(2) of the Police Force (Jersey) Law 1974, as dealt with under the disciplinary code of the Chief Office of Police and particularly under section 2.3.3, to come into play prior to a hearing. At the request of Dr. Brain I tried to give some idea of the potential seriousness of disciplinary charges - if that is the right word - which might eventually ensue from the current investigation. Of course I spoke about the issue of files or sections of files having been created on each States Member, apparently without there being any operational reason for that in terms of an investigation concerning them or a matter concerning them. I spoke about the potential issue of States of Jersey Police Force having, as it were, taken on an MI5 type role in relation to monitoring activities of States Members and I talked about the issue of the obtaining of criminal records on people who are not suspected of any criminal matter. All of those matters ... of course the involvement of Mr. Power in this, his responsibility for this, his knowledge of this are all matters which are subject to investigation and which I will have to consider in due course. My answer to one is, yes, the allegations/circumstances are sufficiently serious for this purpose. The second section: “Is there sufficient credible material before me disclosing matters of sufficient seriousness to merit a disciplinary investigation?” My answer to that also is, yes, clearly there are in Mr. Warcup’s letter of 2nd June. Three: “Is it necessary and proportionate to suspend Mr. Power?” I leave that over because that comes back in under 5(e) and I will deal with that as a final issue before me. So I now move on to paragraph 5 and taking them one at a time. Paragraph 5(a): “Factors to be looked at together, the likelihood or unlikelihood of eventual dismissal.” As I said on the previous occasion, based on limited materials, this is always a difficult test and I am not in any way seeking to prejudge the outcome of any investigation but my view at this moment in time is that there is a very serious possibility of dismissal in relation to these matters if Mr. Power were shown to be responsible for the compilation or had knowledge of the compilation of these files. Paragraph 5(b): “The seriousness of the matters investigated.” I have already commented that these are, in my view, very serious. Paragraph 5(c): “The risk posed to the Wiltshire investigation by virtue of Mr. Power returning as Chief Officer while the investigation continues.” The difficulty here is again similar to the difficulty I had on the earlier occasion. In this particular case the involvement of other serving police officers, who would be junior officers of course to Mr. Power, in the investigation is vital to its success in finding out who set this up, why it was set up, et cetera, et cetera. The question arises, how can this properly be assured while the Chief Office of Police would remain in post? My answer to that is it cannot and therefore there is a substantial risk. Paragraph 5(d): “The issue of public confidence in the Jersey Police Force.” There is a major issue of public confidence. I think it is fair to say that the response of the Members of the States of all political persuasions to this revelation demonstrated that this was a matter of serious public confidence. Paragraph 5(e), I come finally to the necessary and proportionate test. I have already dealt with the gloss on the necessary test put by Dr. Brain in the context of an overkill. Well, my view - and it is inevitably a view that is going to flow from the decisions I have already made - is that it is both necessary and proportionate for me to suspend Mr. Power in relation to the Operation Blast matters. That is the decision which I now make. I wanted to say that it is not my intention to refer the matter of this further ground for suspension to the States of Jersey under Article 9(2) because of the overkill situation. I do not intend to make a statement in the House concerning that. I intend to view this as a continuation of the existing suspension although I decided it separately in this way. Now, gentlemen, there are one or 2 matters I wanted to just mention to you in closing this morning. The first one is I need to bring to your attention the fact that I am fairly shortly anticipating receiving a report from a firm of accountants who have been investigating financial issues, use of money in relation to this investigation. I have not viewed that as being part of the Wiltshire matter, although I understand that they have been working together to a degree. But I just mention that because that is going to, I think, come out fairly soon and may well be made public, either by my actions or else elsewhere. So there is that issue. Obviously if I find that relevant to disciplinary matters I will forward on a copy of that report.

Dr. T. Brain:
Sorry, can I just seek clarification? Which investigation are you talking about?

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
There is an issue raised as to the proper use of monies in relation to Operation Haven.

Dr. T. Brain:Thank you.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:That is what I am talking about. That is an issue which, of course, has been looked at in parallel by the P.A.C. (Public Accounts Committee), the Public Accounts Committee have raised issues and matters have been going on in relation to that in parallel. I instituted, earlier in the year, a report in relation to accounting practices of what happened in relation to that. So I mention that to you because Mr. Power may not have been aware that matter is happening.

Dr. T. Brain:
I certainly was not aware of it.

Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
No, I have to say I had forgotten about. It was so long ago that I had temporarily lost track of it. I had forgotten I had done that but that is happening. I would have mentioned it earlier otherwise but that is what I am trying catch up on because that has come to my attention recently. The other thing I wanted to mention is that the direction things will go now, obviously I will continue to conduct monthly reviews without a hearing, unless a hearing is ... sorry, this is not a hearing, this is a meeting. Unless a meeting is specifically requested. Unfortunately, there continue to be further delays in the completion of the Wiltshire investigation. I understand that they are going to complete the Operation Haven investigation first and then go on to the other matter so that matters will become available to me ... obviously as and when reports do I will start reading them and start considering them and starting a movement towards making decisions as to whether this should move to a formal disciplinary hearing or not. I am just trying to track what is happening for the benefit of Mr. Power and yourself, Dr. Brain. If we move eventually on to a formal disciplinary hearing then what I would anticipate is that there would be a preliminary step in that in which there would be a meeting to discuss procedure and matters of that nature first. I think that must occur because various issues will arise in relation to that. I am merely showing my thinking in relation to this, should we end up down this road. But thank you, gentlemen, for your attendance today. I thank you, Dr. Brain, for coming over and I hope you have a very pleasant flight back. The weather has indeed been quite kind to you today.